Imported Fenproporex-based Diet Pills from Brazil: A Report of Two Cases

Abstract

Banned amphetamine-based anorectics are illicitly imported into the United States (US), but little is known regarding the harm these diet pills pose to US residents. A 26-year-old woman using imported diet pills presented with a two-year history of intermittent chest pains, palpitations, headaches and insomnia. Urine toxicology screen detected amphetamines and benzodiazepines. Fenproporex and chlordiazepoxide were detected in her pills. Her symptoms resolved after she stopped using diet pills. A 38-year-old man using imported diet pills presented after his occupational urine screen was significantly positive for amphetamine. Fenproporex and fluoxetine were detected in his pills. These cases illustrate the potential harm from imported prescription diet pills that combine fenproporex with benzodiazepines, antidepressants, diuretics, laxatives and other substances. Increasing physicians' awareness of imported diet pill use may improve care of patients suffering from the pills' many adverse effects.

Use of a Pharmaceutically Adulterated Dietary Supplement, Pai You Guo, Among Brazilian-Born Women in the United States

“…Even when sibutramine is formulated under stringent pharmaceutical quality controls it can lead to serious adverse effects including heart attacks, 22,23 We found that the high prevalence of Pai You Guo use did not vary by age, marital status, length of time in the US, education or income but, not surprisingly, was more common among overweight and obese women than normal weight women. Lack of health insurance was also associated with greater likelihood of supplement use and may suggest that a higher proportion of uninsured women seeking obesity treatment opted for Pai You Guo since it is available without the additional expense of seeing a physician.…”

Presence of synthetic pharmaceuticals as adulterants in slimming phytotherapeutic formulations and their analytical determination

“…In two reported cases [27], the adulteration of dietary supplements manufactured in Brazil was identified in the USA. In one of these formulations, fenproporex and chlordiazepoxide were identified as adulterants.…”

Dependence on the Brazilian Diet Pill: A Case Report

“…8,9 Despite regulatory bans in several countries, these compounds remain available. [8][9][10] Currently, most production appears to be from Brazil, and they continue in 2009 to be imported into the United States. 3,4,10 Each detected pharmaceutical component potentially contributed to the patient's dependence and exacerbated her other psychiatric symptoms.…”

“…[8][9][10] Currently, most production appears to be from Brazil, and they continue in 2009 to be imported into the United States. 3,4,10 Each detected pharmaceutical component potentially contributed to the patient's dependence and exacerbated her other psychiatric symptoms. Fenproporex is an amphetamine derivative commonly prescribed in Brazil for weight loss.…”